Impacts of Urban Sprawl on Livability in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Urban sprawl is a global phenomenon in the contemporary era. It is mostly taking place in the less developed countries due to natural increase and consistent movement of people into the mega cities and large urban centers. The phenomenon has globally gained attention from diverse researchers in the field of urban geography, environmental studies, city and region planning in view of its significant influence on the urban environment. However, the effect of sprawl on urban livability and economy in Nigerian cities is scarcely investigated especially in Northern Nigeria. This research explores the social and economic effects of urban sprawl in Kaduna metropolis. Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) Technologies were applied for the analysis. The study found that Kaduna metropolis has experienced a progressive increase in the built-up area; in 2006 it had an aerial coverage of 13,980 hectares, a rise of 107.91% from 2001 aerial coverage of 6724 hectares. In 2012, the city had an aerial coverage of 15,808 hectares, an increase of 13.08% from 2006. Conversely, there has been a remarkable decrease in percentage of vegetation (1,458 hectares) and agricultural (11,739 hectares) land areas. In turn, such changes has adversely affected urban facilities or utilities such as pipe-borne water, electricity, health facilities, schools, security, transportation, wastewater infrastructures and fire safety services, which has become overstressed. Economic crisis has manifested in the rise of unemployment and escalating number of urban poor. Residential land use has encroached into open spaces while commercial activities overrun residential areas. Increase in distance and journey time make travel cost unbearable to the common man. These and social fragmentation retard livability in the city. Thus calls for a balance sustainable development in Kaduna metropolis and effective management of urban growth by the Kaduna Capital Development Board Authority. In due course, smart growth policy, growth management, urban containment, effective land use planning and public facility adequacy have been recommended to foster viable urban growth in Kaduna city and elsewhere.